Today many organisations already use Microsoft Teams as their main application for chat, online meetings and sharing files internally. What is less widely known is that you can turn Microsoft Teams, on staff computers and mobiles, into the "office telephone" (the 02 number, or the company main number) and use it to make and receive external calls straight away.
The technology is called Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, which connects Microsoft Teams to a Cloud PBX system and SIP Trunk telephone lines.
1. What is Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?
By default, Microsoft Teams can only call for free "inside the organisation" (Teams to Teams). To let Teams dial out to a landline, an 02 number or a customer's mobile, the organisation has to be connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Direct Routing is the solution that connects Microsoft Teams to a telephone line provider in Thailand (through a session border controller, SBC), so staff can press "Calls" in Microsoft Teams, type an external number, and dial out immediately.
[ Microsoft Teams app ]
│ (over IP / internet)
▼
[ Cloud PBX / SBC gateway ]
│ (SIP Trunk)
▼
[ Public telephone network (PSTN / 02 numbers) ] ➔ [ Customer / called party ]
2. The benefits of connecting a Cloud PBX to Microsoft Teams
No new telephone hardware to buy (single pane of glass)
Staff no longer need an IP desk phone. They can take customer calls through the Microsoft Teams app on a mobile or a laptop, from anywhere in the world.
Keep 100% of your existing company numbers
The organisation does not have to change the 02 number customers already know. The existing number can be connected to the Direct Routing system as it is.
Lower cost than a Microsoft Calling Plan
Using Direct Routing with a Thai network provider is generally 40-60% cheaper than buying a Calling Plan package directly from Microsoft. (Read the detailed comparison of the two approaches in how Direct Routing and Calling Plans differ.)
3. What you need to get started with Microsoft Teams Direct Routing
- Microsoft 365 licence: an entitlement that supports it (the Teams Phone Standard add-on, or an Enterprise E5 package, for example)
- Session border controller (SBC): the security gateway that carries the voice signalling
- SIP Trunk and Cloud PBX provider: a cloud telephone line provider with real expertise in Thailand
4. Why choose SIPPER to deploy Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?
Deploying Direct Routing requires expertise in both Microsoft 365 architecture and voice network infrastructure.
SIPPER Network Communications is a specialist in voice communication systems and IT infrastructure in Thailand, providing:
- End-to-end Direct Routing integration: configuring the SBC (a Microsoft-certified Ribbon SBC), the SIP Trunk and the Microsoft 365 tenant, all in one place
- Hybrid voice solutions: working alongside an existing branch exchange, or with the 3CX Cloud PBX platform
- 24/7 service desk: a team of specialist engineers keeping the service stable around the clock
📞 Start turning your Microsoft Teams into the corporate phone system: ask for a free consultation, or see the solution details at Microsoft Teams Direct Routing | call 02-098-9500